Since we arrived in Virginia we have been passing by the George Washington Masonic National Memorial twice a day every day.

Our curiosity finally peaked today and we ventured up the drive to this imposing building. We had hoped to be able to take the tour of the building, which included the elevator up to the top for the promised fabulous view of D.C. Although it was difficult to believe we were told by the person at the admissions desk that they couldn’t do any tours or allow anyone to go in the elevator because he was the only staff member in the building. We’re talking a massive granite building here. Anyway, we were allowed to wander through the two floors that were open.

What we were able to see was GW statues, busts, murals, paintings, and memorabilia along with Masonic aprons, trowels, and ephemera.

Then there was the marble everywhere you looked - floors, columns, walls, and stairs.

A few oddities did tweak our imagination. The light bulb with Masonic symbols attached to the filament. Then there were the handcuffs that were removed from John Brown’s wrists right before he went to the gallows.

Gatsby Tavern (left) City Hotel (right)

Brunch at Alexandria’s 1792 City Hotel followed by a tour of Gatsby’s Tavern (1785) next door. Both buildings were a center of political, business and social life in early Alexandria. Our first five Presidents were frequent patrons. Washington celebrated two birthdays in the tavern and Jefferson attended a party there on the night of his inaugural. Marsha found much to peak her interest during the tour.

We are now watching the Patriot’s Game in our motel room in Williamsburg – Go Pats.